Board Postpones Plans For Apartment Buildings

January 17, 1997|By John Flink.

WAUKEGAN — Approval for a proposed 96-unit apartment complex has been put on hold for at least a month by the Waukegan Development Commission until questions about traffic, utilities and a high local concentration of rental housing can be addressed.

The Waukegan-based L&P Partnership recently unveiled its proposal to build three apartment buildings on almost 4 acres owned by the Congregation Am Echod of Waukegan. The property is just north of the congregation's cemetery on Grand Avenue.

Objectors noted that the area already has a high concentration of rental apartments and that more owner-occupied housing is needed in the area. Although vacant, the property is legally considered to be the northern end of the cemetery, and, as such, is exempt from local property taxes, officials said.

"Our studies suggest this (apartment complex) to be the highest and best use for the land," said attorney Jordan Primack, speaking for the congregation at Wednesday's meeting. "From something that's not being taxed now, it would go on the tax rolls."

The presence of several small wetland areas would also make the land unsuitable for cemetery use, Primack said. Because the wetlands are of low quality, they would probably be filled if the apartment complex is approved. The proposal will return to the Development Commission on Feb. 11. A vote is expected.